Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my colleague, Mr. Ootes, informed this House the other day regarding the very positive and worthwhile meeting that was held on April 30th, 1999. As you may recall from Mr. Ootes' Member's statement, this meeting was co-hosted by the mayor of Rae-Edzo and the mayor of Yellowknife. Other delegates included my colleagues from Yellowknife, myself, the Grand Chief of Treaty 11, the chiefs of Gameti, Wekweti, Dettah and N'dilo as well as council members from the city of Yellowknife, hamlet of Rae-Edzo and the Rae Band members were present. This, I feel, was a very successful meeting where, for the first time ever, such a group was gathered to seek ways to provide our residents a solution for Highway 3 reconstruction, as one united body. As a result, I think with our combined lobbying efforts we will be able to achieve this goal.

However we, as a whole government, cannot forget to continue on this project. We must progress. It is important for the safety of our residents and the economy in general to see the reconstruction of this road continue as planned. Over the years, too many lives have unnecessarily been lost on this road, not to find an innovative and progressive solution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause